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Entry 7 senses · 2 variants Webster, 1913

Gad

/găd/ · IPA /ɡæd/
01 n. The point of a spear, or an arrowhead.
  1. 1.
    The point of a spear, or an arrowhead.
  2. 2.
    A pointed or wedge-shaped instrument of metal, as a steel wedge used in mining, etc.
    “I will go get a leaf of brass, And with a gad of steel will write these words.” — Shak.
  3. 3.
    A sharp-pointed rod; a goad.
  4. 4.
    A spike on a gauntlet; a gadling.
  5. 5.
    A wedge-shaped billet of iron or steel.[Obs.]
    “Flemish steel . . . some in bars and some in gads.” — Moxon.
  6. 6.
    A rod or stick, as a fishing rod, a measuring rod, or a rod used to drive cattle with.[Prov. Eng. Local, U.S.]
Phrases & compounds
Upon the gad — upon the spur of the moment; hastily.
02 v. i. To walk about; to rove or go about, without purpose; hence, to run wild; to be uncontrolled.
imp. & p. p. Gadded; p. pr. & vb. n. Gadding
  1. 1.
    To walk about; to rove or go about, without purpose; hence, to run wild; to be uncontrolled.
    “Why gaddest thou about so much to change thy way?” — Jer. ii. 36.